Dowd Rock Info, North Island

Dargaville, Gateway to the Kauri Forest, two and a half hours drive north west of Auckland, is a unique town of approximately 4,800 people and nestles amongst the hills radiating northwards from the Northern Wairoa River.

Kerikeri is a unique cosmopolitan town situated in the hub of the Bay of Islands with a wealth of rich history including the oldest stone and timber buildings in New Zealand, historic Maori settlement, famous Kauri trees and boardwalk, Rainbow Falls, boat marina at Opito Bay and Steam Boat rides from the historic Stone Store Basin down the Kerikeri Inlet, a bustling shopping centre that services the smaller towns of Paihia and Russell, award winning wineries, cheese factory, chocolate boutique, recognised artisans of crafts and potteries and a diverse selection of succulent subtropical fruits.

Leigh is an attractive village nestled on the beautiful coastline just one hour north of Auckland. It offers a wide variety of activities: swim & snorkel among the fish at the reknowned Goat Island Marine Reserve; take a fishing or diving trip from the picturesque Leigh harbour; enjoy the beautiful sheltered sandy beach of Matheson's Bay; or go surfing and horseriding on the miles of golden sand at Pakiri. Explore the walking tracks at Tawharanui regional park, play golf at Warkworth or Omaha or simply potter among the many cafes, arts & crafts and wineries the area has to offer.

Paihia is a small seaside town about 240km north of Auckland. It is located on a sheltered inlet in the heart of the Bay of Islands, sheltered from the Pacific Ocean by the Russell peninsula.

Parua Bay is a locality and bay on the northern side of the Whangarei Harbour in Northland, New Zealand. Whangarei is 19 km to the west, and Whangarei Heads are 10 km to the south east, with Munro Bay between the two.

There is safe swimming, good fishing, sailing, wind surfing etc, & nearby Goat Island marine reserve, with the fish right there, to swim or paddle with, or just watch.

Few visitors depart the Bay of Islands and Russell in particular without a lasting impression of the place, and the people. The regions temperate marine climate is near perfect. The locals are friendly and outging. The list of things to do is endless: your stay can have all the ingredients for being as action packed or relaxing as you desire.

Tapeka Point is the gateway to the world famous Bay of Islands on New Zealand's North Island. Tapeka Point is also the perfect base for a Northland vacation,  whether it is a family holiday, weekend escape, golf or fishing.

90 minutes north of Auckland, 30 minutes south of Whangarei, Waipu is on the southern side of on one of New Zealands most sought after coastlines Bream Bay, a long white sandy surf beach also known for its fishing and links golf course. Waipu celebrates its Scotish heritage with Highland Games each January 1. The village sits along Waipu River which meanders through the small township with all the modern needs. 3 minutes to the spectacular surf beaches, mountain walks, caves. Surrounded by green dairy and sheep farming with a backdrop of picturesque Brenderwyn mountains.

Whangarei, just over two hours drive north from Auckland, is the principal city in Northland and provides a central and relaxed harbour-side location to explore the region. The Tutukaka Coast, Northland's famous deep sea fishing and diving resort, is a short 20km drive to the north-east of Whangarei and provides access to the Poor Knights Islands, a world renowned diving site.